Can Xaphoon & Ellie pour out the soul enough to top the original?

Ellie Goulding covering my favorite neo soul singer… this sounds too good to be true. And to top it all off we get Xaphoon of Chiddy Bang on production… yep, these names are building it up to something not even they can live up to. And as much as I love the concept, it’s going to take some time for me to fall for the actual product (if I ever do).

I like the overall production, but I think a dubstep mood like Downpour’s remix of ‘High for This’ might’ve suited Ellie better. As for her roll, she’s as ethereal as ever, but sure doesn’t spark the emotion that The Weeknd’s original does for me… not even close. But who knows, maybe a few weeks of warming up to it will change my mind… usually the first taste is a good indicator, though.

Doing what most producers tend not to, progress

Adventure Club is known for taking gorgeous vocals and wrapping ’em around their own style of dubstep, and just when I was growing a wee bit tired of it, they take on Yeah Yeah Yeahs ‘Maps’ with a varied charm. It may not have the affect of some of their first tracks I was introduced to, but it clearly shows a progression in their vocal cuts and the consistency in not needing the filthiest drops, yet still being as bass worthy as the rest.

We still gotta get these guys pairing up with original vocals more to carry ’em to the Next Level.

Too Short vs. Maguera || Wiz Khalifa vs. Gigan

Love when these mashers take on quality MC’s and mash ’em up with much hotter electro tunes. Mochipet is known for producing some next level bass music, but he’s also one to occasionally throw in some mashup freebies. And these freebies come in the tune of Too Short & Wiz Khalifa, which’ll sure as shit get yo heartbeat bouncin. But which one bounces best I gotta go with Too Short.

with Hayley Gene kiiillin it on vocals

Voodoo’s full sound bass may blow Hayley’s vocals UP, but Ms. Gene is the clear highlight in Voodoo Farm’s ‘DRVGS’ remix. She’s a got an Ellie Goulding charm to her that floats above well with this bass-wizard. If these two don’t pair up for at least one official single, it’ll be at a loss to our ears and these two extremely talented individuals.

In love with these scandalous gals

Just when I think I’ve got the exclusive on these gals, those damn thoroughbred pigeons over at P&P got the swoop before me. But shiit, second best is fine with me when it comes to these scandalous Starlight Gals… & two other dude members.

The first thing that popped into my mind when I heard those tantalizing vocals is that pouty, cool Zooey Deschanel. And as sick as I’m sure they are of hearing that, or will be, they’re clearly going for something similar… although, they do appear to be going deeper down the rabbit hole than even Zoey D. would travel in this dark-pop persona. And what a better example of this than their ‘Flutterby’ music video, which appears to have a hint of Tim Burton love thrown in.

What a sweet pairing these two are...

Fuck me, this is not a duo I ever saw collaborating, but now that they did, makes total fuckin’ sense. With Chris Glover’s pop lovin’ vocals & RAC’s way of mixing disco, pop & electro together, this motherfuckin’ music’s gonna go FAR. Do I smell a legit album collab comin’ It better at least be on the back burner for now!

Characterizing the hip-hop scene better than ever

Ya know, when I covered Theophilus London in Minneapolis, I appreciated a few tracks of his, but didn’t follow him regularly. However, since his show I’ve caught too many quality tracks from this dude. I can’t tell you how many rappers send their music to me daily and 99% lack what London excels in, character/personality/whatever you wanna call it.

“All Around The World” sports a burly, bass driven beat with this MC’s character expressed as distinct as ever. But Theophilus London is more than just a healthy character in the hip-hop scene, he packs wordplay & beats that few MC’s can manage to muster UP.

An eight minute relaxer that sounds too damn familiar

Alright people, what song does this dude’s voice remind you of It’s definitely a popular one from the early 2000’s that was featured in a movie like Garden State, or maybe it was actually in Garden State. Please let me know if you have any ideas! But moving on from my obsession in figuring that one out…

Oliver Schories’ edit of ‘Hollow Talk’ fits my melancholic mood quite well today. The song is simple, yet the vocals carry alotta weight. They remind me of that stereotypical, turn of the century, “sedated look at life” type music … seen in movies like Garden State, however, the instrumentals are as fresh & up to date as ever.

Check out this 8-minute meditation and let me know what it reminds you of… this is killin’ me.